Have you vacationed alone?

[Anonymous]

I'm so desperate for a vacation that I'm thinking of taking one by myself. No girlfriends, no spouse, no kids. Just me.

What could this be like? Lonely and boring, or restful and full of freedom?

And where should I go? I don't want to spend a ton of money. I imagine lots of time spent just sleeping and reading, but I'd also like to have things to do. I like nature/ natural beauty, but am not into outdoorsy activities like camping or strenuous hiking. Nice easy walks through the woods are more my speed!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Anonymous]

I dream of such a vacation.

[Anonymous]

I did Costa Rica.

La Costa de Papito is a cheap, fantastic place. You get your own bungalow and breakfast brought to you in your hammock on your front porch. 65 dollars a night. Also has a spa in the jungle. Beach on the other side of the road.

[Anonymous]

My friend goes to a week-long art retreat every year. She works on her art with the hosts who are artists and also keep a comfortable living place and provide meals.

I believe that there are many opportunities for this kind of personal time, including art, yoga, horseback riding, creative writing, and music.

[Anonymous]

That is my dream. But I do worry about the same things as you (cost, boredom). The main reason I have not done it is cost. So I'll be looking for answers. But I would LOVE to just go away and have nothing I HAD to do. I may just sleep the entire time.....ahhhhh

[Anonymous]

I spent a week in Germany by myself, in the winter, when I was 3 months pregnant with DD.

It was bliss. I got to choose what to do and when to do it, nap all I wanted and eat at Subway every day since that is the only thing my morning sickness would allow me to eat.

[Anonymous]

This sounds great!!! Though if you are worried about cost and boredom, I would suggest you do a short vacation - maybe 3-4 nights?

What do you like - laying on a beach, or something more active like hiking?

If you can't afford a true spa vacation, maybe you could find a nice place that has a day spa nearby or in the hotel and at least get a massage and facial or something. That, a yoga class or two, the chance to sleep in, read some good books, take walks, maybe browse through some shops and grab coffee on my own sounds like the perfect vacation to me!!!

Let us know what you decide.

[Anonymous]

I like Rehoboth in the off season. Hang on the beach, read, do some spa if you can, walks on the beach, bookstores, coffee shops, boutiques, some good food, easy to get to and cheap come later Sept.

[Anonymous]

My girlfriend just went to Sanibel on a 5-day solo trip. She loved it. Rented a bike, went for walks and took long naps.

[Anonymous]

Yes!! I went solo to Red Mountain Spa in Utah. It was both relaxing and active -- I did group hikes before the sun came up, read books, swam, did some yoga and other exercise classes and a few spa treatments during the day.

Red Mountain Spa is an amazing place and far less expensive than Canyon Ranch and places like that (plus I used FF miles to get there for free.) Sure, it's hot as blazes there this time of year, but it's a great value and still fabulously fun. I went over Labor Day weekend a few years ago and just loved it.

[Anonymous]

Agree that a spa weekend might be enough to give you the break that you need. I did a weekend here (http://www.stjosephinstitute.com/Spa/LastMinute.asp) with some girlfriends. It was very, very down-to-earth, but for $350 you get 2 nights, 5 meals, and a massage. There was a mix of people including small groups, couples, and people going solo. Note that this is not a high-end spa, the rooms feel a bit like dorm rooms, and it is family-style dining. But it is driving distance, a peaceful location, and there are mountain trails for hiking.

[Anonymous]

Haven't done it solo for more than a few days, but did a number of trips with a friend as opposed to DH. Don't know that I'd like a truly solo vacation - I'm at the far E end of extroversion, but don't necessarily like chatting up strangers - but agree that getting out without spouse and kids is lovely. For me the perfect trip is somewhere with a good friend where we can both spend some time doing our own thing, or a trip that's loosely affiliated with a group so I'm not making conversation with complete strangers. But if you've got a more introverted side and like spending time alone (I don't for more than few hours than a solo trip sounds awesome.

[Anonymous]

Yes and it is great!! you will be a new person!!

[Anonymous]

I also went alone the Red Mountain Spa and loved it - really need to get back now that DS is older.

If you do yoga, you may want to consider a yoga retreat or vacation - look in the back of Yoga Journal for ideas.

[Anonymous]

Not really a vacation, but I left the family and took a class in Ohio. I went to class during they day and spent time with family on the nights I felt like being with other people.